Let the island hopping commence

It's about 11 PM on Saturday night here in Phuket. Why aren't you out partying in the streets? - one might ask. The answer, I'm getting on a bus at 7AM for an 8 hour busride to Thailand's southeast coast and then boarding a boat for an hour to the islands of Ko Samui, Ko Tao, and Ko Phangan. They are relatively small islands, perhaps Google might have a few aerial photographs to get a better sense of where I'm talking. Phuket has been pretty awesome so far but it's geared mostly towards European families, couples, and pedophiles. Last night I saw a garden variety grandfather, age between 60 and 75 with white beard and polo shirt with a girl no older than 10 years old. That was the most shocking disparity I've seen so far and it was just bizarre and totally wrong. While still pretty raunch in my books, most of the other Thai girls I've seen with old white men are in their late 20's, early 30's and appear to be mutually happy together. At least they're of consentual age. This guy was holding her hand and buying her all kinds of gifts at the market. He was definitely not a parent or grandfather, she was dark brown and he was bleach white. All I can say is that you know you've failed at life when you have to move to Thailand to find "love" by seducing and manipulating 10 year old girls. Some people are just bent. Anyways, that went a bit off tangent didn't it? Back to tomorrow. Ko Samui et al. have legendary status as SE Asia's top backpacker's haven. I hope to spend 2 nights on Ko Samui and then take a boat to Ko Phangan or Ko Tao for Christmas and New Years celebrations. Ko Phangan in particular is renowned for their full moon parties every month. There will be one on Christmas and one on New Years taking place right on the shores of the island. A few good friends of mine, Clarke and Matt have both experienced it and they simply can't be skipped if you find yourself wandering around Thailand one day.

I must correct my earlier claim that Ko Samui was the setting of Leo di Caprio's "The Beach". A Thai tour guide explained to me that the film was actually about Ko Phangan, but was physically filmed on Maya Beach of the Ko Phi Phi islands just south of Phuket. I found this out because I visited the Phi Phi islands yesterday on a one day tour. I haven't even seen The Beach because I heard it wasn't that great and I really wasn't even a fan of any di Caprio movies in that period after Titanic, but it's kind of cool to say you've been to THE Beach. If Hollywood chooses that beach, then it must be THE Beach of all beaches, right? Anyways, these islands truly are the real deal. Probably the most beautiful islands in Thailand, maybe the world. The tsunami demolished much of the coastline on the islands 5 years ago, but it's amazing how quickly everything grows. Once again, Google is the word because I wouldn't be able to capture the details here. My pal Matt stayed on those islands for 4 weeks last year in utter isolation and never wanted to leave. I took a day tour, but you can hire a local longboat guide to take you on the hour trip into the sea and stay as long as you want in the bungalows there for about $20 a night. I couldn't imagine spending 4 weeks there - the novelty might wear off and I like to keep on the move, but trust me, there is a lot of novelty to wear off if you like lounging in paradise. I highly recommend the Phi Phi islands as a must see destination in Thailand.

Tomorrow night I'll be somewhere on the other side of Thailand. As remote as it sounds, there are plenty of eager Thai people waiting to charge me big baht for internet usage, so I'm not too worried. Just in case, this might be the last message for a few days before I get settled there. It is very easy to get around here and despite Phuket's reputation for drugs, prostitutes, and pedophilia - I'm amazed at how safe it is. The Thai people are truly awesome folks - so friendly and accepting of everything and everyone - and full of charm and humour. The men are not chauvinists and the women aren't objects. (Apart from the white men who come here and throw money at them). While there is a lot of questionable behaviour going on at all times, if you stick to your senses and don't go looking for trouble you won't have a problem. This isn't Detroit or any big city in North America for that matter. I was out walking around at 1AM through the red light district last night (which is basically the whole Patong strip) and there is nothing to be afraid of. At most, a girl or 'ladyboy' (over 250,000 in Thailand) might smile and tap your shoulder as you walk by, and say something like "me love you long time", "you were in my dream!" and then burst out laughing (yes, they actually say that). In short, it's a safe place and most of my preconceptions have been smighted. Okay that's enough reassurance for now.

Well, it's midnight and I should get some sleep! Farewell everyone and see you at Ko Samui.